Farzi Cafe – Culinary Illusion at its best!

'Farzi'- A quirky, chic, modern restaurant where people can enjoy Indian, contemporary, modern cuisine in style. The idea behind the Farzi Cafe is to revive the Indian dishes by giving it a twist of global influences. The dishes served here are the perfect example of molecular gastronomy. It is about playing around the properties of the ingredients to transform flavours and presentation. Dining at Farzi Cafe is a Gourmet experience in itself. The concept of Farzi Cafe is executed by Mr. Zorawar Kalra, who also owns other prime fine dine restaurants like Made in Punjab, and PaPaYa.

Located in Kalyani Nagar, Farzi Cafe is quite popular in Puneites, be it family, or friends. Valet parking is also available for the hassle free experience. Walk the stairs to the wonderful two-tiered place adorned with the shades of dark wood, red and golden furnishings along with 2 big bar areas. Different cosy seating arrangements include comfortable sofas and mechanical swings.

The menu is quite extensive incorporating modern cuisines with the Indian influence. Farzi Cafe has Chef's Lunch menu with both Veg and non-Veg choices. I tried the Chef's Lunch Veg Menu, priced at Rs.800 AI, which had one portion each of Salad, Tapas, Mains, and Dessert. I had some lip-smacking mocktails, one of which was Farzioke. After some quick chit chat with Chef Durgesh, my meal started with the amuse bouche or palette cleanser of Mishti Doi topped with strawberry sauce. The theatrical effect was given to the presentation. Balanced sweet and just melt in the mouth, this is complimentary to each table.

The salad is common in both veg and non-veg meal. It has Mini Raj Kachori, Crisp Okra Salad, and Chutney Foam. This salad is a heaven for chaat lovers, like me. First of all, the presentation was an art in itself. It looked so beautiful. Crispy fried raj kachori with the scrumptious filling of potatoes, coriander chutney, spices and to top it was the saunth chutney foam. It was airy and melt in the mouth. Fried okras were balancing out the dish. Highly Recommended!

Next course was Tapas. Out of three options, diners can choose any one. However, I tried all the three to give an insight. I love Arancini. Dal Chawal Arancini at Farzi Cafe was no exception. Loved the presentation. Dal Chawal cheese combined to crisp fried balls and drizzled with coriander chutney and achari mayo topped with mini papad. A miniature version of dal, chawal, papad, and achar. Bite-sized portion was just so flavourful. Irresistible. Highly Recommended!

Next Tapas option was Palak Paneer Quesadillas, Water Chestnut, and Cucumber Salsa. Such a beautiful plating, just like art on canvas. Mini quesadillas stuffed with medium spiced palak paneer, topped with freshly grated cucumber salsa with the water chestnuts. With one bite, you can feel the flavours dancing in your mouth. It had crunch, sweet, spicy, savoury and almost everything to make a dish complete. Loved it! Can't forget the garnishing of edible flowers were adding to the beauty of the plate. Recommended!

Rajasthani Pyaz ki kachori with Masala Asparagus and Rassa Reduction was the third and last choice for Tapas. I have the weakness for kachoris and trust me this was one of the best, I had in a long time. There are certain regions, which have kadhi-kachori, aloo rassa-kachori, chutney-kachoris. This dish was inspired by aloo-rassa one. Small kachoris with potato curry reduction poured over and asparagus to finish. Potato curry was perfectly balanced on the taste. Medium spicy to go with kachoris. Quite addictive. Highly Recommended!

Mains had three choices. Ratatouille Bhaji and Maska Focaccia was the first, I tried. Mixed spicy bhaji with onions and sev on the top was presented with buttered focaccia in a mini truck. Fancy stuff! Bread was fresh and delish. Bhaji was good too. But with other choices in hand, I would have skipped this. :)

Next mains was the Herb Crusted Tandoori Paneer Tikka in San Marzano Makhani. Royal filmy presentation. Silky makhani gravy of marzano served in a bowl was poured over the paneer tikka. Paneer was fresh, nicely marinated with sweet and spicy flavours. Served with bread of your choice, I had Lachcha Parantha which was equally delectable. Recommended!

Rajasthani Kadhi, Onion Rings and Ghee Pulao was the third choice. Onion Rings placed over the heap of ghee pulao was another basic Indian regional recipe. The taste was just like the way we have at home. Farzi's way of Kadhi Chawal. Simple yet fulfilling dish.

For the sweet tooth cravings, I had to try the sensational Parle G Cheese Cake. This is the dessert which makes in the swoon. So sinful, creamy, light, rich and eye-catching. It is none other than nostalgia on plate. Magic happens when cream cheese is sandwiched between childhood favourite Parle G biscuits in a pool of rabri. Imagine, how my experience would have been. So wanting it now! Highly Recommended!

Next and last dish of the evening was Warm Sooji Halwa and Banana Syrup Cake with Pistachio Icecream. Who would imagine, prasad wala Sooji ka Halwa could get such a makeover. It was drizzled with banana syrup adding natural sweetness and served with pistachio icecream. However, Cheesecake won the battle of desserts! :)

And the end of the meal was magical too! Candy Floss Paan Gujhiya was the mouth freshner presented in the wooden box. Dehydrated Paan stuffing in candy floss coating, it is as light as feather and just melts in the mouth. Just WOW!